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Barca urge fans to ‘express sympathy’ for convicted Messi

Date published: Sunday 10th July 2016 11:06

Lionel Messi: Barca behind star convicted of fraud

Barcelona have launched a campaign urging fans to “express their sympathy” in support of forward Lionel Messi after he appealed against a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud imposed by a Catalan court.

Messi and his father, Jorge, were sentenced on Wednesday after a Barcelona court found them both guilty of three counts of defrauding the tax department to the tune of 4.1 million euro (£3.5 million).

Messi’s management company said on Wednesday night that the pair would take appeals to the supreme court, even though neither man is likely to serve any time in prison.

Under Spanish law, sentences under two years are usually suspended but, nonetheless, Barca have called on supporters to voice their “unconditional support on social networks”.

A statement on fcbarcelona.com read: “FC Barcelona has set up a campaign in support of Leo Messi following the sentence issued this week against the Argentinian and his father.

“Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open, the campaign is encouraging all Barca fans to express their sympathy for the greatest footballer in the world by voicing their unconditional support on social networks.

“By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate.”

The long-running case relates to a scheme to avoid paying £3.5 million of tax on Lionel Messi’s image rights.

The disputed tax payments date back to a period from 2007 to 2009, a time when Argentinian player Messi, now 29, helped to transform Barca into the world’s best team.